From 1982 to 1987 this Band RULED Radio…Then They VANISHED-What the HELL Happened? Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2023
- Today’s rock band Survivor was on top of the world in 1982 with one of the biggest #1 hits ever in Eye of the Tiger... They were Poised to break out big time. But then their next album fizzled with no hits and then their singer Dave Bickler blew out his voice, in 1984 they would forge one of the biggest comebacks of the decade with a new singer Jimi Jamison who was tailor-made for their sound. They Hit #1 twice including today’s massive song The Search Is Over. they’d have another massive hit in 1986 in the Burning Heart from Rocky IV and then a top ten in 1987 but then they’d vanish from the charts never to be seen again…Next founding member and key songwriter Jim Peterik who used to be in the group tells the story of their 1985 #1 and we try to solve the mystery of why this band disappeared...
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So this next band, we’ve had a few times on the show. They were one of my favorites of the 80s. They were on top of the world in 1982, spending 6 weeks at #1. They were an aor rock band that at that moment looked to be the equal of Journey and Styx and Foreigner and ready to take on the world. I’m talking about Survivor. They hit #1 with Eye of the Tiger. It was massive... Still one of the biggest songs ever. It will pass a billion views on youtube very soon. They were everywhere that year with the videos in mega rotation on MTV and they were even nominated for an Oscar. Their next moves would be crucial to the band's long terms success.
At that moment the band consisted of Guitarist songwriter Frankie Sullivan, Keyboardist/Songwriter Jim Peterik lead singer Dave Bickler and bassist Stephan Ellis, and Drummer Marc Doubray.
So In 1983, the band tried to duplicate the success of Eye of the Tiger with their next album Caught in the Game which was released in September 1983. The album faltered, It stalled at number 82 on the Top 200 album chart in the U.S., while the title track from the record peaked at only number 77. Then their powerhouse vocalist Dave Bickler began to suffer vocal problems and had to undergo an operation that would get rid of vocal fold nodules, which would require much rest and time which was not feasible for a band that was trying to keep pace with the continuing changes in music.
It was a race against time to somehow keep the momentum that Eye of the Tiger had created and with these trials, the door was closing. The band had to get out on the road… they had to get into the studio. They had to remain relevant…They had no choice but to look for another singer. The Search was on. Enter one Jimi Jamison who had played with the bands Target and Cobra.
Jimi Jamison really had it all, the unparalleled voice, the chiseled good looks, the fire, & passion. He was kind of the mold for the 80s rock and pop star. Although It’s his voice that stands above all! - Розваги
Poll: Who is your pick for the most underrated vocalist of the 80s?
Jimmy Jamison was always one of mine. Been listening to the Journey ARRIVAL album lately. So I need to give props to Steve Augeri. What an underappreciated album with a lot of great songs on it
Alan Frew - Glass Tiger
Annie Lennox - Eurhythmics
Charlie Sexton
Cyndi Lauper
Corey Hart
Marie Frederikkson - Roxette
Martha Davis - Motels
Philip Oakey - Human League
Richard Butler - Psychedelic Furs
Rindy Ross - Quarterflash
Jeanette from Exposé. Yeah, not that she belts it out. It's more about the tone of her voice. Listen to her in songs like "Seasons Change" and "Your Baby Never Looked Good In Blue." Her voice brings tears to my eyes. 🥲
Glen Tillbrook, Squeeze
Andy Bell, Erasure
Niel Finn, Crowed House
Myles Goodwyn, April Wine
Dave Bikler was my neighbor in Warrenville IL. Mark the drummer was a friend of mine, who had Jimi Jamison and all the band members sign my Vital Signs Album for my Daughter Carrie. Carrie and her little friends sat on Dave's front lawn and listened to them create EYE OF THE TIGER! Vital Signs was their best album, great memories. Jimi Jamison, fantastic singer, he saved Survivor when Dave got sick. RIP Jimi
Jimi was the best thing that happened to the survivor! And thanks to that, I was able to meet him.❤ I love Jimi my favorite🎧🎤🎼🎶 forever!💕
Jimi Jamison had a voice that still sounded chesty and masculine even at those high ranges, which is very rare. One of the best ever. I love Survivor, you can't help but be in a good mood whenever one their songs come on.
"Vital Signs" was one of my FAVORITE albums of the time and I still enjoy it. I'd play it over and over.
"I Can't Hold Back" might be the most perfect pop song. EVER. No wasted bars anywhere, great dynamics, and sparkling recording. That's the Survivor tune I can listen to endlessly, and can't help but sing along to.
So glad someone FINALLY gave them credit
1986's When Seconds Count and 1988's Too Hot To Sleep were both amazing (and highly underrated) albums. Didn't Know It Was Love and Across The Miles (from THTS) are incredible songs.
Jimi Jamison is someone who captures our ears with his beautiful range of voice. I have enjoyed listening to Survivor since they started playing in the 80s. I am still listening and appreciate their music. I only wish that I had seen Jimi Jamison in concert.
I Can't Hold Back, to me, is one of the most underrated songs of the '80s... Just awesome!
Yep, and it also has an amazing bridge. Great tune!!!
It's such a perfect song. I totally agree.
Amen!
💯
* I can’t believe it wasn’t a top 10 (#13 peak).
true
Yes, most people only remember them for "Eye of the Tiger", but "The Search is Over" is the perfect wedding slow dance song. 💒😍
It's such a great 80s power ballad! Thanks Trina!
Only a woman could like that shitty song. I hope who ever picked that for a wedding song is long divorced.
N
I loved The Search Is Over. I have always thought it should win an award for the music video which best followed the lyrics of a song.
I wasn’t a fan of Eye of the Tiger so I never bothered listening to the band. Then decades later they were playing for free outside in Detroit Michigan so I went to see the one hit wonders, but to my surprise, I recognized more songs I liked and was blown away by the guitarist and eventually went out a bought all their albums.
That song would doom the marriage.
Great song and album! 1985, the year my wife and I got engaged. Married in ‘86. Still together!
Awesome! Congrats!
Congratulations Peter!
My husband and i were married in '86 also and still together. Congrats to you and your wife!
@@kittensanddaisies5615 and to you also! We all grew up in a great time, especially for music!
So many of us musicians in Memphis, TN hung with, knew, played with Jimi, myself included. Jimi was simply the sweetest, down to earth guy. A true gem. Memphis is very proud of him and happy to have called him friend.
I never met Jimi in person, but watching his videos and interviews, it seems to me that he was a man as beautiful inside as out, it's a shame that I didn't meet him in person. I really liked Jimi! 😢
I am so happy that in Memphis they love Jimi so much, he always said with great pride that he was from Memphis, at the 2012 rock meet classic the presenter of the event introduced Jimi saying that he was from Memphis USA.
Absolutely love “The Search is Over.” I remember buying the 45 single when I was just a kid. Still part of my record library to this day.
Jimi Jamison had the best voice I ever heard. It screamed "youthful strength" and the thought of him as mortal, and vulnerable as anyone, never entered my mind. We forget that these people are just that; people!! Brad Delp, Jimi, and. Elvis, to me are the best voices.
Survivor MUSIC is incredible. All of it. There is ZERO fluff or filler. Buy all their CDs. You will LOVE all. Their last two, 88 Too Hot To Sleep and 2014 Reach have high points as high as their previous work. Survivor gives me CHILLS!!!!
Tell those you love that you love them.
Jimi Jamison, Roy Khan (former lead singer of Kamelot), Tommy Karevik (current lead singer of Kamelot) are my favorite male singers. With my most purchased male singers being: Jim Peterik (Ides of March, Solo, World Stage, Pride of Lions); Jimi Jamison (Survivor, Solo, and Cobra), Toby Hitchcock (Pride of Lions), Roy Khan (Kamelot and Conception), and Richard Marx.
You forgot to mention Steve Perry and Freddie Mercury, both of which had better voices and more range than Jimi.
Vital signs was a masterpiece of the 80s where even the unreleased songs were fantastic. “It’s the singer not the song” and “I see you in everyone” are good examples!
What a great song title: It’s the Singer, Not the Song.
The artwork could have used a little TLC but the music made up for it.
Caught in the game and eye of the tiger (the whole album) are 2 of the great rock masterpieces!
I see you in everyone should have been a top 20 hit at least
Popular Girl should have taken over the world.
Note-for-note Vital Signs is a very, very rare perfect album.
Jimi was one of the better singers in rock history and a nice guy also. I got to meet him thru a friend and spent a little time at his place in North Memphis. He showed me his gold albums,played some music. He talked about his family which he loved dearly and gave me a CD of his daughter's recording. He was a great song writer and you could really tell that the way he played the classical 🎸 Definitely a highlight in my life for me. Friends told me he was good as gold. I believe it. Not bad for a Mississippi boy. RIP Jimi.
He sounded like a sweetheart when offstage. RIP to Jimi.
He was a great songwriter? What hit songs did he write, other than co-writing Man Against the World and I'm Always Here?
Well he created several songs right in front of me. That's a mark of a great songwriter and I just happened to like it. Just because he's not credited or known for it doesn't mean the latter. He is a good songwriter as far as I'm concerned.
@@darrylwaites7747 I agree he's good, just not at the level of Jim Peterik.
@@Faltor895 true
Jim Peterik is an incredible songwriter! And Jimi Jamison was one of the best rock/pop singers ever!
"The Search Is Over", one of my most favorite love songs of the '80's. Whenever I hear it, I will always be transported back in time to the summer of 1986 & hearing it on the AM/FM stereo radio of a blue 1985 Chevrolet Celebrity station wagon going to & from Camp Forty Acres in Wilmington, MA. You know, sometimes, we search the world over to find exactly what we want, & we fail to realize that it's been right in front of us the whole time.
To me Jameson had the best voice of any of the 80’s vocalist. Simply incredible and underrated!
Totally agree with you!!!!
its steve perry all the way.
Nah. Love Steve Perry, but I've heard him be a little “pitchy” at times. I’ve never heard Jameson hit a bad note.@@dwaynebrown164
Steve Perry, end of story.
Jimi Jamison had such a seemingly smooth and effortless voice reminiscent of Steve Perry. I always thought they should have been bigger. Vital Signs is incredible beginning to end.
He’s got a little Steve Perry, a little Lou Gramm in his DNA.
Jimi got the high notes, but also a warm, powerful voice. ‘Too Hot to Sleep’ showcases his fullpowers, that album should have been number 1 in the charts.
Love "Didn't Know it Was Love". That should have been a huge hit but the record company didn't promote it and radio was changing to more R&B and pop metal bands. then a couple years later grunge took over and killed melodic rock.
The entire Vital Signs album is amazing, no bad songs at all!
Highly recommend!
Agree!
Totally agree.
Caught in the game and eye of the tiger (the whole album) are 2 of the great rock masterpieces!
Absolutely amazing talent in that band
My favorite song of theirs is “Didn’t know it was love “ I adore the feel good vibes and the video always brings me joy ❤️😊💛
Good one.
It's one of my favorite Survivor songs. Definitely has feel good vibes!
Thank you for covering Jimi Jamison/Survivor. I love everything Jimi sang and listen daily to all of his songs. Burning Bridges on Too Hot To Sleep is one of his great songs. His last album while alive, released in 2012, Never Too Late, is fantastic and he was 61. You can't beat his perfect pitch, remarkable voice. Target, Cobra, Survivor, solo CDs, One Man's Trash- History show his powerful voice. He gave his all with each performance and was a giving person. He is one of the top rock singers along with Lou Gramm. Deeply missed.💕
The Search Is Over is such a great song and the album Vital Signs is just about perfect. I had the cassette when I was in high school and my friends and I played it over and over. What a great time the mid 80s were, especially for music. Thanks for covering this great band. 👍🏻🎸✌🏻
I loved that but "I Can't Hold Back" was great in the uptempo department
For a kid who graduated high school in 1985, few songs are as nostalgic to me as several survivor tunes. They still take me back to 85, even more specifically than Journey who is my all time favorite to this day. I did get to see Survivor live with Jimi Jamison in Las Vegas, then again in Dallas, but by that time it was the later incantation of the group.
Same. Remember Aldo Nova? I discovered them in 85.
I was a teenager throughout the 80s, Survivor's songs carried me through.
RIP Jimi 🙏 I still play High On You and Burning Heart from his lead vocals from time to time.
Great songs.
Jim Peterik is such a great person to interview. He is a wealth of talent, knowledge and stories to tell. He also seems like a great, down to earth guy.
National American musical treasure, along with Kerry Livgren and Todd Rundgren the three unsung kings.
He's amazing for sure!
And I cannot get enough of his purple hair! Gosh, he is just so COOL.
He's written everything from 38 Special to Sammy Hagar, but his biggest claim to fame is probably the singer of "Vehicle" by Ides of March back in the 70s.
Such a fantastic songwriter and musician.
I got to see Jimi Jamison perform live one time. He was absolutely incredible. Amazing vocals. One of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. Right up there with Kenny Loggins.
Jimi Jamison? LOL Dave Bickler sang in their biggest and best songs - Jamison was B grade at best.
@@dowens70🤨🤨Seriously? Jamison was more versatile. Dave cant sing his songs, Jamison can sing anything
@@dowens70Regardless of your preference, to call Jim Jamison 'B grade' is laughable.
@dowens70
PTSSHHH,,,,I agree
I couldn't stand survivor.
Eye Of The Tiger sucked
@@dowens70seriously friend??? You don't even know the band Survivor, how the hell you say that Jimi is grade B' Jimi was the best and you know that very well, envious, Jimi sang with such a beautiful voice that when he sang The Search is Over in the studio for The first time they came out crying, Peiterik himself told it, Bickler recorded the song of the eyes of tiger yes, yeah, big deal, Jimi later had to record it in the recording studio as well, for a greatest hits album that they made, Jimi sings That song a million of times better than Bikler, Jim Paiterik loves Jimi's voice, and he is a great writer, he said that Jimi is one of his favorite artists. In fact, he has said on several occasions that Jimi has taken ownership of his songs because they have the incomparable seal of his beautiful voice! the most beautiful voice your ears have ever heard!😑
Vital Signs was/is one of my favorite albums every song was a banger. It’s The Singer Not The Song is my favorite on the album, it’s so true that the singer can give a song a whole new feeling. The Search Is Over always takes me back to that boy I thought was the one but we were young and not meant to be. I miss the 80s when a song could make a moment feel real again.
Amen to that, now that I am a singer myself, that song really resonates with me!
Most Underrated Group Ever from the 80s... I loved their music...
I love every interview with Jim Peterik. He is so talented.
Great guy for sure! Thanks for watching.
@@ProfessorofRock When are you going to do Joey Mollands, the last surviving member of Badfinger. He isn't getting any younger! 🙂
He’s fun.
The hair throws me off but he has that great blend of talent and intelligence that it takes to create masterpieces.
Jimmie's voice blew me away with 'The Search Is Over'. It reminds me of my early adulthood and having a positive outlook for the future. The small company I worked for at the time had a picnic and I heard that song on the drive there and it stuck in my head all day. It makes me think of that day and the great people I worked with.
Jim Peterik has recently been working with Dennis DeYoung, formerly of Styx! What a pairing!!
jaynebauer3401, Almost too good to be true. Lord knows we need it. The devil worshipping grammys was too much to bear.
Love Survivor!
Glad they found Jimi Jamison. It would have been a shame if Survivor had only been known for Eye of the Tiger.
Jamison does have a great voice....... possibly one of the best of the 80s.
Thanks Professor!
Today is the "gotcha day" for my dog Russ. I was gifted him 3 years ago today. Have a great Tuesday!
Actually, the 1983 album that "fizzled and flopped" was one of there best albums...definitely one of, if not the hardest rocking albums of their career...filled with MANY great songs..try listening to "Santa Anna Winds"...epic!..such a CRYING shame that so few people have even heard it. The album should have been discovered by AOR radio, if not top 40. Like Toto, Survivor was filled with top-notch musicians..Frankie Sullivan, underrated guitarist with a very unique sound...Jim Peterik, prolific songwriter, and very talented multi-instrumentalist..Marc Droubay, power drummer, just listen to his chops. And yes, Bickler did have vocal problems, but I would in no way say Jamison was a "better" singer...Jamison did have better enunciation than Dave, but Bickler, when his game was on, had a greater range...just listen to Dave on "Nothing Can Shake Me From Your Love" on their 1978 debut album....
Before Jamison, Survivor weren't only known for that song. "Poor Man's Son" reached #33, "American Heartbeat" reached #17, and my favorite the debut "Somewhere In America" and other songs were also Hot 100 hits with Bickler. Two weeks until the 4th of July, but this video mentions neither single with America references in their titles.
Jamison tried to sue them for the name and lost
Happy birthday to Russ!
P.S. Roger, sorry I forgot to say congratulations on your dear dog's birthday, lucky Russ! I hope he and you had a great Tuesday!
I was listening to some of their music just today and said "they are a woefully underrated band"! Vital Signs is excellent from beginning to end.
Jimi Jamison was in a Memphis band named The Debuts. He was in high school! A song called “If I Cry” was released … look it up here on UA-cam. What a voice 🙂
Great interview. I think Jim wrote and sang the big hit "Vehicle" with Ides of March way back in 1970. My brother won that as a 45 single from an FM radio station contest in Klamath Falls, Oregon when it came out. Excellent songwriter. That song still is the fastest selling single in Warner Bros history.
Peterik Also Co-Wrote .38 Special's Biggest Hits!
"Vehicle" is one of my favorite songs to karaoke.
That’s right. It was hugely popular and peaked at #2 stateside.
Holy crap I just streamed that song and of course I recognized it. This Peterik guy is the real deal.
I've just listened to The Search Is Over. What a beautiful song, it's the story of me and my wife.
Absolutely love Survivor. Every album is fantastic. Sucks that Jim Jamison passed. Broken Promises and Desperate Dreams are 2 of my favorites
You named my fave by them: Desperate Dreams.
I still can hardly believe I saw KANSAS and SURVIVOR opened for them the same year I saw JOURNEY and BRYAN ADAMS opened for them. Wow! What a great year for music! I was there for it, brother!!
I saw Kansas here in Providence, winter 1978, I'm not sure, perhaps Walter Eghan opened, regardless, I have a funny Brian Adams story: I'm 65, lived through the disco era, which actually were great songs, Adams had a huge hit song, "let me take you dancing", he was so embarrassed by it, it's all but wiped clean off the internet, I do remember leaving Kansas concert bummed out, they didn't play "what's on my mind", apart from "portrait"(he knew) my favorite Kansas song.
Too Hot To Sleep is probably one of the most underrated albums of all time. Hardly got any airplay at all due to the label and the management infighting.
Agreed! Lots of great songs on that album. 2nd favorite Survivor album next to Vital Signs.
Yes, it got similar treatment to Caught In The Game...
I still bring up the Vital Signs album and play it while driving. I’m a child of the 80’s and I loved everything about their sound. Jimmy’s voice, the keyboard/synthesizers guitar solos. To me it’s perfect!
Thank you Professor, that “Yearning” in JIMI’s voice is what made him so unique in his Talent. He was AMAZING. A Beautiful Soul with a Voice of Gold✨✨✨✨✨
That is exactly what made him sing with passion.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 JIMI was one of a Kind✨✨✨✨✨
@@Alliss616Yes he was. RIP Jimi 😢
No disrespect to Dave Bickler, the frontman who delivered an iconic performance on "Eye of the Tiger", but Jimi Jamison is the reason I love this band. He was the vocalist they achieved the most hits with, and his vocals were so powerful, he really makes you feel the emotional impact of their music. "The Search is Over" and "I Can't Hold Back" are my favorites.
Bickler is every bit part of their sound. He did the Budweiser commercials for a long time.
Agree
I meant I agree Jimi Jamison made Survivor the band they were. Incredible gift of singing voice
I may be late to this particular part of the Professor’s UA-cam presence, but recently I was thinking “ Who THE HELL is Adam Reader?”
Well I think every fan of this channel owes it to themselves to do a ‘not so deep dive’, and find out some fascinating stuff on our very own Professor! Including he’s on Spotify… with a ‘swing band’ called The Terks… and Mrs. Reader makes an appearance with some beautiful vocals as well.
And not that any of us needs this confirmation, but the praise for Adam’s interviewing prowess coming from the legendary interviewees themselves, let’s you know that we are dealing with a pro’s pro!
One minor spoiler alert… Who knew that a member of the Beach Boys gave Adam his moniker of Professor of Rock???!?
THE BEACH BOYS!!!
Wow! you've done your homework!
@@ProfessorofRock Lol, it was a pleasure Adam! You were literally BORN to do this job. And I’m here for it.
I’m about 10 years older than you, (I’m 56), you’re interviewing skills are on par with the best of them. Your knowledge of your subject is the key, and d it’s easy to tell that you’re interviewees are well aware, & I bet they appreciate, knowing that you’re a huge fan, before being a journalist, but you ride that razor thin line expertly. Keep up the fantastic work Prof… Always among my favorite 30 minutes of the day.
@@ProfessorofRockI'm going hunting for your band!
What in blasits.. don't do it, its a trick 😂
Working out in a suburban Chicago gym jammin’ Eye of the Tiger on my airpods… I look up and the guy who wrote the song is on the machine next to me,,Jim Peterek! Peterek also founded the Ides Of March bandbin the 60’s. Chicagoland Legend. 😎
One of my absolute favorite albums from that time period... I was really fortunate to see them during Spring Break in Daytona Beach. It was an amazing show and their music always grabs me anytime I hear it!
I think Jimi combined the best qualities of Steve Perry and Lou Gramm. To me, his greatest performances are Across the Miles and A Man Against the World.
One more thing about Jim.: He & Dennis DeYoung of Styx fame are great friends. If you enjoyed the last couple "comeback" albums from Dennis which came out of the blue...you can thank Jim for getting him back in the studio. He even co-wrote many of the tracks of his two "volunes".
Two of the most iconic voices in all of rock.
I remember when this band hit MTV in 1982. It was such a huge hit, and was on MTV constantly, on part because it was the theme for "Rocky III". I mean, geez, who didn't want to see the movie with Mr. T as the angry antagonist in those days? Then they vanished. I never knew at the time that the lead singer blew his voice out. The band deserved better back then. Then they reappeared later in the decade and I hardly knew they had a new singer, in part because they not been on the radio for several years. That, and I was listening to more metal by that point!
I heard about Dave getting throat surgery and having to leave the band.
I enjoy this guy every time you interview him. What a wonderful story about that song. And I love the fact that his music heroes are Burt Bacharach and Hal David, two of the greatest contributors to music in history. Thanks for another great episode, Adam. Have an excellent day.
Thanks Jill! Always a pleasure!
R.I.P. Burt Bacharach.
He also had all thus. Real Men of Genuis ads.
Absolutely loved Jimmie J's voice. I think they only got better with him!
It was the SAME voice 😂
@@revwillyg6450 What do you mean? Jimi Jamison and Dave Bickler did not have the same voice.
He was their Lou Gramm to top it all off.
@@revwillyg6450 Are you a fan of Survivor or a troll? From the start to the finish of the studio albums, it was clear lead vocals were mostly one person, first was Dave then Jimi took over.
Jimi Jamison, wow what a voice...one of the best. Survivor knew how to find a singer. I didn't know Jim Peterik was a Burt Bacharach fan, now I know why he wrote such great songs because Burt was the best. Such a great interview. What a revolving door that band had with its members...you can never survive that. See what I did there? Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁
The search has never ended and it won’t be over soon. Cheers Gio
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Cheers😎
Triumph is another band that comes to mind. Man, they were excellent!
The Search is Over: greatest ballad of my high school years! That song has a KILLER BRIDGE. 🤘🏼🥰🤘🏼
Vital Signs was a surprise album, so solid from first track to last. Have it on vinyl. 👍🏼
IMO, Vital Signs is one of the best AOR albums ever made. I remember at the time, I was/am a huge Journey fan, and I thought "damn, Survivor went out and found themselves a Steve Perry clone", but I grew to appreciate Jimi Jamison on his own. Every single song on that album is amazing!
Amen!
😅 Steve Perry canta muy lindo, pero mi Jimi tenía la voz un poco diferente a la de Perry!
The grocery store i work at plays Burning Heart everyday, and I never get tired of listening to it. Survivor has many amazing songs. Their greatest hits is a phenomenal album.
I loved Survivor in the 80s… my high school years. Had a lot of nice slow dances at homecoming and prom, with some cute high school girls. Couldn’t beat hearing the wonderful ballads of Survivor with Jimi ! My mind goes back there Instantly…what great memories . Thank you, Survivor… for making the 80s a great place to grow up. C/O ‘87 Forever!!!
Love listening to Professor of Rock. He brings back memories of a better time and fills in the gaps, the unknowns and nuisances of our generations magical music makers. Thank you Prof Rock.
What a great interview of my favorite band. Jim Peterik is the best! I was in military commando training in the 80’s in Singapore and our motivational song was “Eye of the Tiger”. This song and Survivor were huge in Asia at the time. The addition of Jimmie Jamison took Survivor to another level and I was hooked for life. This band has no doubt enriched my life with the lyrics that we’re both appropriate and timely.
Survivor played my Ohio college town back in the late 80's. Went to a local bar the night before the concert to see a local band play. They had a small local hit and a decent band. Survivor was in the audience and they got up on stage, played LA Women by the Doors and just blew away the bar. Made me realize how talented a lot of those bands were and we take them for granted. Incredible musicianship.
Jimmie Jameson had the voice of an angel. I Can't Hold Back still resonates with me.
I caught my 12 year old listening to it yesterday!
@@ProfessorofRock Kid's got good taste!
Yes, Jimi Jamison was a great singer.
I am so obsessed with I Can’t Hold Back. I’m about to enter my senior year in high school. This past year I can think of like 5 or 10 times where I immediately started humming the tune to I Can’t Hold Back without realizing it. It’s got that secret ingredient, that irresistible charm.
The Prof is so good. I can't tell you how many times I click the link just to see who he is talking to and find myself inexorably drawn into an amazing interview. Kudos, Professor!!
I enjoyed listening to Jim Peterik’s recounting of Jimmy Jamison’s audition for the band. I had heard part of that interview before, but it was enjoyable, listening to it again. Jim Peterik is a great storyteller, and he’s clearly a great songwriter as well.
It was crazy hearing about all the lineup changes at the end of this episode. It’s unfortunate that Jimmy died before the full reunion could happen.
Great video from The Professor (as always). Survivor is one of the most underrated bands of the 80's and Jimi is one of the best rock singers of the 80's. Even though Too Hot to Sleep wasn't a top-performing album on the charts, "Didn't know it was love" and "Across The Miles" are two of their greatest songs. "Didn't know it was love" was vintage Jimi!
Across The Miles is a great song.
💯
I first met Jim Peterik back in the early '70's when my band opened a show for his band. We've crossed paths quite a few times over the years since. He is one of the one of the most generous, pure gentlemen in the business.
If you ever get the chance to see Jim Peterik (in any capacity, with any band) DON'T pass up that chance ! He Always puts on a Fantastic Show. 🎼😃
This was literally one of the best CDs of the decade. One of those rarities where nearly every song was great (Moment of Truth was meh but it was on a European released CD). I was living in Spain at the time of its release and remember cruising around Madrid with it just blasting.
I’ve been wanting to go to Madrid and Barcelona for so long now! I heard it’s beautiful over there.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jimi Jamison back in 79 ..he was from Memphis..as i am from MS...but he was such a down to earth .. unassuming man..he is greatly missed ..Rest in Peace Jimi ..❤🫶☮️💙🎙️🌟🌠p.s.when i met J.J.he was with Target ..and was soon to be with the band Cobra..then he ofcourse went on to be successful with Survivor .Jimi never allowed his success to go to his head ..he was so polite..Gosh we miss him and still love him .😢😊
Survivor's contributions to the Rocky IV soundtrack are some of the essential sounds of the 80s, but Jimi's voice still reminds me of Saturday evenings (Baywatch airing time in the UK) during the 90s
🤣 YUCKY!
🤣 YUCKY!
I loved the album Vital Signs! Jimi's vocals were pure, strong, electric, and hauntingly beautiful. To me, this album surpassed Eye of the Tiger by quite a bit. It was one of the albums I could play every song and not be disappointed.
Thank you, Adam, for this episode. Time to go listen, once again, to Vital Signs. 😊
Vital Signs sure is re-vital-izing.
Too bad the drugs got him. RIP JJ ! Listened to this cassette until it wore out !!
Survivor is one of my favorite bands. The search is over is one of 1985's best songs.
For sure! Always great to see you on here Wayne!
I agree with you Wayne!
"I Can't Hold Back" is one of my favorites!
Professor I can't put in words how much we're alike! You say "3 chords and the truth " . I say " it's all about the music ". !! Always diggin Survivor! Always diggin this channel and your episodes too, brother!!👌👍✌️ Keep on keepin on...!!
I like both eras of Survivor. I grew up on the Vital Signs songs. Recently, I discovered the Premonition album, which was the Dave Bickler era, and really enjoy that as well.
Parallels with Van Halen. The two vocalists make it almost two bands, but it’s OK to love both eras.
Premonition is their best album
You better give Survivor(Survivor) a really good listen.
Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan also wrote some hits for .38 Special. Jim wrote and sang Vehicle by Ides Of March. He is responsible for more great music than people realize.
You know your history. We've covered one of these songs! Hold on Loosely.
I like the song Second Chance by 38 Special.
Yes, absolutely...and a lot of people still don't realize how many great songs from the mid-1970's to the late 1980's that had Toto playing on them, or various members thereof...
He wrote Hold On Loosely I believe.
Frankie didn’t co-write any of the songs outside of Survivor. Just Jim.
Survivor is top band that played my university's Spring Fling. Their were they the nicest guys and awesome live!
It was them, Jason & The Scorchers, and Georgia Satellites. I met them as they warmed up. I talked to Mr. Peterik for a bit. My girlfriend loved them. "Ever Since The World Began" was her favorite song before "The Search Is Over" was released. She and I thought we would be together forever, but going to different colleges changed our paths and we lost touch. It was while at work in a record store her mother came in. I recognized her and we talked. She gave me Tammy's number and we reconnected after many years. We haven't been apart since.
Not a Survivor fan but this is a great anecdote. Happy for you both. Thanks for sharing.
You need to showcase the talent that Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik had together, all the hits they wrote for other bands is amazing. They are the two that I wish would have buried the hatchet because they are right up there with Simon and Garfunkel, Lennon and McCartney.
From all of 38 special hits hold on loosely, fantasy girl, rocking into the night. Their talents and gift for writing hit songs are simply amazing. I had the privilege of growing up in the suburbs of Chicago in the late 70’s , seeing them in the bars is something that I will remember forever. Class act all the way.
So many great tunes from their albums that were never released as singles. I absolutely love "I See You In Everyone" from Vital Signs, "Across The Miles" from Too Hot To Sleep, and "I Never Stopped Loving You" from Caught In The Game. If you go back before Eye Of The Tiger to their album Premonition, "Summer Nights" is amazing.
Don't forget Poor Man's Son, love that song too!
The song “ Jackie Don’t Go “ should have been the first single from the Caught in the Game album for sure . . It is also noteworthy that the MASTER of production Ron Nevison went on to produce the band Heart’s glorious comeback album as well released the following year in 1985 and continued his success with Ozzie’s 1986 album “ The Ultimate Sin “ . I also have a SEALED first issue Vital Signs album which would be cool to have Ron autograph someday . RIP Jimi Jamison , one of my favorites 🙏
Jimi Jamison, alongside Lou Gramm, Steve Perry and Joe Lynn Turner - the undisputed voices of AOR
I loved Jamison's work with Target and Cobra. In fact, I saw him in Cobra in the summer of 1983 right before he joined Survivor (who I saw with Dave Bickler still on vocals). My favorite Survivor album will always be their first one, but Jimi's voice was perfect for their niche.
Loved this interview and the camaraderie between the two of you! It was like you two have been great friends forever, reminiscing.
My first concert was a show with 3 bands:
- The Motels
- Survivor
- Men at Work
I don’t think Vital Signs was out. I ended up seeing Survivor again in an Irish pub in the early 90s. Bobby Kimball from
Toto opened for them, then when “Survivor” came on stage, turns out Bobby Kimball’s band WAS Survivor minus Jimi. Essentially, Jimi joined the band for the Survivor part of the show 😂😂😂
I had the honor of knowing some very heavy talent from Memphis. Singers, guitar players, drummers who are world class. It seems like a dream...but it's true. I spent alot of time with them and didn't realize how lucky I was to be there. I feel like I should have been more grateful. I am a better person "now" after taking all their talent for granted. They are the real stars...not yo be forgotten. Thankyou for putting up with me! I was a bad boy, but honoring you all with living better in life! 😇
I think, for me, "I can't hold back" is the best song that came out of the 80's. For me personally, when I hear it I feel like a kid again and all of the magic of the 80's comes rushing back. No other song makes me feel as energized or alive.
I’ve recently become a huge fan of Survivor. They’re painfully underrated and under recognized.
I just picked up the Vital Signs CD the other day. Such an awesome album… Jimi Jamison is one of the best singers of all time.
Also no clue how Caught in the Game did so poorly… it’s the song that turned me onto Survivor.
He really is. I agree on Caught in the Game. What's our fave track from he album?
That album had MANY great songs on it..Santa Ana Winds is my personal favorite...
@@ProfessorofRock The title track is one of my all time favorites from Survivor. I also really like Jackie Don't Go.
Vital Signs is amazing! Loved it when it came out.
Vital Signs is one of those albums that is all great tracks, not a throwaway song on either side. And every song is 500% better than EOTT, which is one of the most overplayed songs ever.
Vital Signs could be the soundtrack of the 80s!! Jimmy Jamison is up there as being one of the greatest vocalists ever!! He even sounded awesome in the Starbucks commercial!! I'm sure that got people looking them up on UA-cam again!!
For sure. One of the best vocalists of the decade. What's your favorite song by them?
@@ProfessorofRock it's I Can't Hold Back!! I remember hearing that on my radio and I would blast it!! My Mom loved The Search Is Over!! I love that one too!!
You mean the one with the guy named Glen?
One favourite featuring Dave Bickler is Rebel Girl, an early single. A favourite by Jimi is Is This Love but he also had a song called What Love is by a previous group of his and a solo song where the video featured Memphis locations.
I remember these guys, couple of great songs, always on the radio back then, I was 22 in 1982, doesn't seem that long ago. Thanks for the ride back in time.
You're so good at making the overwritten scripts you're saddled with sound like natural speech.
Jim Peterik wrote like 85-90 percent of Survivor's music. He gave Frankie Sullivan 50/50 because he was being nice. Don't ever imply that Peterik and Sullivan were equals in the songwriting department.
I had forgotten about the power pop rocker "HIGH ON YOU".Perfect song for the summer wedding party season at my bar as when i can pull out up tempo rockin gems for those money spending, celebratory mixed age crowds it makes me look like the DJ wiz that i aint but always aspire to be.
Good call. Great song. The whole album is fabulous.
I’m obsessed with High on You. GREAT song.
I met Jimi Jamison once after his performance at Firefest here in the UK, 2011. We had a cigarette together outside of the Welbeck hotel in Nottingham. A nice gentleman who took the time to chat with me and sign my cd covers. RIP Jimi.
I have always felt that Jim Peterik has never gotten the recognition he deserves as one of the greatest songwriters of the rock era. He has written so many great songs not only for his own bands but for many others as well. Most people would be surprised to learn how many of their favorite songs were collaborations by Jim with the bands that recorded them.
Don’t forget his 1970 hit!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I could never forget his first hit. Vehicle is still one of my favorites.
@The_Professor_OfRock I'd be happy to talk to you but I don't know how to do that on here other than replying to comments.
@@johnmcginnis2410Such a groovy and cool song!
Love them all, Chicago and Survivor are in my top favorite bands. My favorite song though was from the Premonitions album, Summer Nights.
Dave Bickler and Jimi Jamison sounded so much alike that I never realized Survivor had two different singers until just a few years ago.
For me, I noticed a difference in the singer in part because of their first video for Vital Signs which was I Can't Hold Back.
Jimi and Dave don't sound the same! Jim's voice is very different.
I DID.....And their quite different change (though good obviously) in music direction...I grew UP on and to ROCKY "Balboa and Clubber Lang Mr.T debut basically 😎 lol... Eye of the Tiger LP and then Found their also great LP , Premonition! An equal killer ROCK LP....And so yeah, THAT was the SURVIVOR I grew up with....I just wasn't really a"big fan" ONCE they changed such drastically MUSICALLY speaking, that is... But yeah, I like their latter stuff moreso NOW than then,at the time...I don't mind the keyboard pop rock hits but yeah sorry, you can definitely KEEP The Search is Over stuff ....lol. ROCK the funk ON 😎. 🤘🔥🤘
I love both powerful ballads "Ever since the world began" and "The search is over".
Holy mojeez I'm so pleased you brought this band back to proper memory. Having been in high school 83-87, this band made so many songs we loved.